Bool Lagoon Game Reserve and Hacks Lagoon Conservation Park
More information
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Bool Lagoon is one of the largest and most diverse freshwater lagoon systems in southern Australia. This seasonal wetland is home to a wide range of wildlife and provides essential drought refuge for many rare and endangered bird species.
Take a drive to the top of Big Hill to see just how big these wetlands really are. The extended drive via Bool Lagoon and Moyhall Roads to Little Bool Lagoon is also worth the effort. The open water of Little Bool Lagoon is a popular venue for many waterbirds.
The boardwalk, extending 500 metres over the wetlands, gives you the feeling of walking on water. Brolgas, commonly associated with northern Australia, are perhaps the most spectacular of the 150 species of birds that visit this area. Enjoy the magnificent scenery and listen carefully for the creatures of the wetlands, especially the insects and frogs.
Hacks Lagoon Conservation Park adjoins the main basin of Bool Lagoon Game Reserve. Whether you are a birdwatcher, a lover of open space, or merely wish to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life, Hacks Lagoon offers another wetland habitat to explore.
Open daily.
This park is closed on days of Total Fire Ban.
Fire safety and information
Listen to your local area radio station for the latest updates and information on fire safety.
Check the CFS website or call the CFS Bushfire Information Hotline 1800 362 361 for:
Visitor information, bookings and park management:
Naracoorte Caves National Park
Phone: (+61 8) 8760 1201
National Parks and Wildlife Service MountGambier Office
Phone: (+61 8) 7424 5770
Booking enquiries please email:
DEW.SEOnlineBookings@sa.gov.au
Emergency contacts:
Medical, fire (including bushfire) and police emergency situations
Phone: Triple Zero — 000
Police Assistance
Phone: 131 444 for non-urgent police assistance
National Parks and Wildlife Service SA – After-hours duty officer
Phone: (+61 8) 7424 5770
Injured wildlife:
Within the park
Please contact National Parks and Wildlife Service Mount Gambier Office on (08) 7424 5770
Outside of the park
Please contact a local wildlife rescue group
Bool Lagoon Game Reserve and Hacks Lagoon Conservation Park is located 360km south east of Adelaide.
See and do
Tea-Tree Boardwalk (1km)
A wheelchair accessible boardwalk through the wetlands, a great spot to enjoy the bird life. Note there are no bathroom facilities here.
Assistance dogs are permitted in most public places and are therefore welcome in South Australia’s parks and reserves. Assistance dogs must be appropriately restrained on a lead and remain under your effective control at all times while in a park or reserve.
As per the dogs in parks and reserves policy, if the dog is not an accredited assistance dog, they must be trained to assist a person with a disability to alleviate that disability and meet standards of hygiene and behaviour appropriate for a dog in a public place. However, refusal may be given if the person with the disability is unable to produce evidence the dog is an assistance dog with the appropriate training.
Before taking your assistance dog into a park that does not normally allow dogs, it is highly recommended that you contact us so we can provide you with the latest information on any potential hazards within specific parks that may affect your dog. Please contact the park via the contact details provided under the contact tab or contact the visitor service centre via email or on Facebook.
Dogs are not permitted in this park.
Discover which parks you can walk your dog in on our find a park tool or read 12 dog-friendly walks in Adelaide Parks by Good Living for inspiration.
The toilets are centrally located in the Bool Lagoon campground. There is also a small picnic area with rubbish bins. Running water is available, but is not suitable for human consumption.
- Explore what other nature and outdoor activities are available in this area on the South Australia Tourism website.
- Mobile phone coverage can be patchy and unreliable in this park, especially if you are in low-lying areas.
- Important: Collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited. Dead wood plays a vital role in providing shelter for animals and adding nutrients to the soil.
Brolgas are perhaps the most spectacular of the 150 species of birds that visit this area, one of the most valuable wetland conservation areas in Australia. It is recognised under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands as a Wetland of International Importance. It is protected under the Japan/Australia and China/Australia Migratory Bird Agreements because of the importance of the area as a summer refuge for migratory waders.
Flora and fauna species lists
To download flora (plants) and fauna (animals) species lists for this park, use the ‘Create Simple Species List’ tab under ‘Flora Tools’ or ‘Fauna Tools’ in NatureMaps.
Aboriginal peoples have occupied, enjoyed and managed the lands and waters of this State for thousands of generations. For Aboriginal first nations, creation ancestors laid down the laws of the Country and bestowed a range of customary rights and obligations to the many Aboriginal Nations across our state.
There are many places across the State that have great spiritual significance to Aboriginal first nations. At some of these places Aboriginal cultural protocols, such as restricted access, are promoted and visitors are asked to respect the wishes of Traditional Owners.
In places where protocols are not promoted visitors are asked to show respect by not touching or removing anything, and make sure you take all your rubbish with you when you leave.
Aboriginal peoples continue to play an active role in caring for their Country, including in parks across South Australia.
We have picked the brains of our park rangers to find out what they would recommend you see and do whilst visiting this park.
- Take the short drive to the top of Big Hill to see just how big these wetlands really are. Brolgas are often seen feeding in The Black Rush Swamp just west of Big Hill.
- Take the extended drive via Bool Lagoon and Moyhall Roads to Little Bool Lagoon is usually well worth the effort. The deep, open water of Little Bool Lagoon is a popular venue for many waterbirds while the nearby Lily Ponds are very important nesting sites for ibis.
Bushwalking is a fantastic way to connect with nature, keep fit and spend time with family and friends. South Australia’s national parks feature a range of trails that let you experience a diversity of landscapes.
Easy walks
Gahnia Walk (10 mins)
A short walk through the tussocks, reeds and tea-tree provides excellent viewing of a range of small birds that use the area as a feeding ground and nesting area.
Tea-Tree Boardwalk (30 mins, 1km)
Take a walk into the heart of the lagoon. See the nest areas of ibis, spoonbills and many other birds in the gnarled and weathered tea-trees. Learn who lives where in the wetland.
Moderate hikes
Gunawar Walk (1 hour, 1.5km)
Take a walk across the boardwalk to Hacks Island. View a range of wetland areas including freshwater marsh, reeds, rushes and open water. These all provide homes for a variety of birds, reptiles, frogs, elusive water-rats and many aquatic insects.
Pat-om Walk (45 mins, 1.5km)
Skirting the very deepest water in these wetlands, Pat-om Walk leads you to the overflow of the inlet channel. The fresh water flowing in the channel attracts many thousands of waterbirds.
There are no designated mountain biking trails in this park.
Duck hunting is not available in Bool Lagoon Game Reserve during the 2024 duck hunting open season.
Duck hunting is permitted in South Australian Game Reserves during declared duck hunting open seasons. Please refer to Game Reserves opening times and exclusions for information about duck hunting in Boool Lagoon Game Reserve and Hacks Lagoon Conservation Park.
The Department for Environment and Water (DEW) is working together with Conservation and Hunting Alliance of South Australia (CHASA) to promote ethical and responsible hunting.
Open seasons are declared annually based on an assessment of environmental conditions, data on waterfowl population and distribution and stakeholder feedback. Duck and quail hunters in South Australia must hold an appropriate duck or quail open season hunting permit issued by the Department for Environment and Water. Duck hunters must have passed a Waterfowl Identification Test to be issued a permit.
The duration, bird species and daily bag limit varies from season to season based on the annual assessment, so it is important to keep up to date through the Duck & Quail Open Season webpage.
Further information:
- Bool Lagoon Game Reserve Hunting Exclusion Zones
- Duck and quail open season
- Duck hunting open season information
- Game Reserves opening times and exclusions
- Modern Hunting in South Australia — A guide for responsible and sustainable hunting
Know before you go:
- Please respect all users of the area.
- Hunting on game reserves is managed to be sustainable.
- Hunters, through CHASA, contribute resources to maintain habitat for all wetland birds.
- Behave and hunt in a responsible manner.
- Obey all laws and regulations.
- Carry a current hunting permit.
- Hunt only in the designated hunting area.
- Do not set up within 100m of another hunter without consent.
- Leave no litter and pick up spent cartridges and wads.
- Dress your game away from camping areas.
- Keep camping areas clean.
- Pursuant to Regulation 9 of the National Parks and Wildlife (Hunting) Regulations 2011 all 2024 duck open season hunting permit holders are required to complete and lodge a hunting survey in accordance with the instructions specified in the survey form supplied with their 2024 duck open season hunting permit.
Bool Lagoon Game Reserve’s camping area is a bird-lover’s paradise. Campers are most welcome — waking to the sounds of a wetland at dawn is not to be missed. Set up camp and experience the sheer number of birds that flock to the lagoon to seek refuge from the drought.
The camping area is located between the main basin of Bool Lagoon and Hacks Lagoon. There are scattered patches of trees for shade and shelter from the wind. Toilets are centrally located. Running water is available, but is not suitable for human consumption. There is also a small picnic area with rubbish bins.
Want to help?
To find out how you can help in this park or nearby, please visit Natural Resources South East.
Want to join others and become a Park Friend?
To find out more about Friends of Parks groups please visit Friends of Parks South Australia.
You could join others to help look after a park. You can take part in working bees, training and other events.
The international Trail Users Code of Conduct is to show respect and courtesy towards other trail users at all times.
Ensure that you:
- when hiking, wear sturdy shoes, a hat and sunscreen
- be aware of weather conditions and avoid walking during the hottest part of the day
- make sure you have appropriate weather proof clothing
- carry enough water to be self-sufficient
- please be respectful of other users at all times
- stay on the designated trails and connector tracks for your own safety, and prevent the spread of declared weeds to other areas in the park
- ensure someone knows your approximate location and expected time of return
- take appropriate maps.
- Walk, hike or trek — what’s the difference?
When camping in a National Park, it’s important to remember the following:
- Always let someone responsible know your travel plans, especially when travelling in remote areas. It’s a good idea to let them know when you expect to return.
- Check the weather forecast before you leave, including overnight temperatures on the Bureau of Meteorology. Even during very mild weather, the nights can get very cold.
- The quality and quantity of water cannot be guaranteed within parks. Please bring plenty of water and food to be self-sufficient.
- Always camp in designated sites (where applicable) — do not camp beneath trees with overhanging branches, as they can drop without warning. It’s also a good idea to check that there are no insect nests nearby.
- Check to make sure you’re not camping in a natural waterway, flash floods can happen anytime.
- If camp fires are permitted, you must bring your own firewood, as the collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited. Extinguish your camp fire with water (not sand or dirt) until the hissing sound stops.
- Ensure that you are familiar with the fire restrictions for this park.
Can I have a fire or barbecue?
- Wood fires and solid fuel fires are prohibited throughout the year.
- Gas fires and liquid fuel fires are permitted, other than on days of total fire ban.
- Ensure you are familiar with the fire restrictions for this park.
Closures and safety
This park is closed on days of Catastrophic Fire Danger and may also be closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger.
You can determine the current fire danger rating by checking the Fire Ban District map on the CFS website.
Check the CFS website or call the CFS Bushfire Information Hotline 1800 362 361 for:
- Information on fire bans and current fire conditions
- Current CFS warnings and incidents
- Information on what to do in the event of a fire.
Listen to your local area radio station for the latest updates and information on fire safety.
The water levels in this wetland vary with the seasonal climatic conditions. The lagoon may dry up completely during summer months.
For more information on lagoon conditions, contact:
Visitor information, bookings and park management:
Naracoorte Caves National Park
Phone: (+61 8) 8760 1201
Mount Gambier Natural Resources Centre
Phone: (+61 8) 8735 1177
Booking enquiries please email:
DEW.SEOnlineBookings@sa.gov.au
Emergency contacts:
Medical, fire (including bushfire) and police emergency situations
Phone: Triple Zero — 000
Police Assistance
Phone: 131 444 for non-urgent police assistance
National Parks and Wildlife Service SA – After-hours duty officer
Phone: (+61 8) 8735 1177
Injured wildlife:
Within the park
Please contact Mount Gambier Natural Resource Centre on (08) 8735 1177
Outside of the park
Please contact a local wildlife rescue group
Every national park is different, each has its own unique environment, it is important to be responsible while enjoying all the park has to offer.
Please ensure that you:
- leave your pets at home
- do not feed birds or other animals, it promotes aggressive behaviour and an unbalanced ecology
- do not bring generators (except where permitted), chainsaws or firearms into the park
- leave the park as you found it — there are no bins in national parks, please come prepared to take your rubbish with you.
- abide by the road rules (maintain the speed limit)
- respect geological and heritage sites
- do not remove native plants
- are considerate of other park users.
- Important: Collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited. Dead wood plays a vital role in providing shelter for animals and adding nutrients to the soil.
Park maps
Hunting exclusion zones
Maps on your mobile
If you have a smartphone or tablet you can download the free Avenza Map app and have interactive national park maps on hand when you need them.
The app uses your device’s built-in GPS to plot your real-time location within the park onto a map. The app can be used without a network connection and without roaming charges. You can also measure area and distance, plot photos and drop placemark pins.
How to get it working on your device:
1. Download the Avenza Maps app from the app store (iOS/Android) whilst you are still in range (its free!).
2. Open up the app and click the shopping cart icon.
3. Click ‘Find’ and type the name of the national park or reserve you are looking for.
4. Click on the map you are after and install it (all our maps are free).
5. You will now find a list of your installed maps on the home page of the Avenza Maps app.
6. Use our maps through the Avenza Mapa app while in the park and never take a wrong turn again.
Entry to this park is free, however fees apply for camping.
Campsites need to be booked prior to arrival.
Click through to the online booking page for more details about individual campgrounds and fees.
Book online
Book online to reserve your campsite up to 12 months in advance.
Book and pay in person
If you are unable to book and pay online you can do so, in person, at these booking agents across the state.
For online bookings enquiries please email:
If you intend to visit often, you may like to purchase any of the below park passes.
12 month vehicle entry for a single park
Is this your favourite park? If you visit more than five times a year, it’s more economical to purchase a 12 month vehicle entry for a single park pass.
- Buy a 12 month vehicle entry for single park pass now
- Buy in person at a Park Pass outlet
- Park Passes FAQs
2 and 12 month vehicle entry for multiple parks pass
Are you wanting to explore a number of SA’s national parks? Purchasing a 2 or 12 month vehicle entry for multiple parks pass can offer you value for money and convenience.
The 2 and 12 month vehicle entry for multiple parks pass entitle you to vehicle entry for not just this park, but up to an additional 10 parks as well!
There are no other fees or permits associated with this park.